Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled new measures to encourage school enrollment in northern Borno, including free daily meals for pupils and ₦300,000 in incentives for students and their parents.
The governor made the announcement on Friday in Gajiganna town while inaugurating the Higher Islamic College, which is designed to integrate the traditional Almajiri (Sangaya) system with formal education.
Zulum expressed concern about the poor enrollment rate in the region, noting that out of a population of around 50,000 people in Gajiganna, only 90 students were enrolled in secondary school. He emphasised the need to reverse this trend.
“We must establish deliberate measures to promote education in northern Borno. In this town with a total population of about 50,000 people, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school. It is imperative to ensure that these students complete their studies. To achieve this, we are approving stipends of ₦250,000 for their fathers, ₦50,000 for each of their mothers, and ₦50,000 each for the students themselves, alongside one free square meal daily,” the governor stated.
He explained that the new Higher Islamic College would operate under a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), combining Islamic teachings with modern subjects such as science, mathematics, technology, and English.
“Our goal is clear: to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world. Our reforms safeguard the cherished values of traditional Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational training,” Zulum added.
In addition to the Higher Islamic College, Zulum also commissioned the Government Day Secondary School, which will provide a pathway for hundreds of primary school graduates in Gajiganna to continue their education.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, praised the governor’s efforts, highlighting that the administration has delivered 104 mega schools over the past six years, with another 35 under construction.
“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only infrastructure but vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to generations yet unborn,” Wakilbe remarked.
The ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, Senator Kaka Lawan, Speaker of the State Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan, APC Chairman Bello Ayuba, and Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Tijani, among others.
What You Should Know
Governor Babagana Zulum has consistently introduced innovative reforms to rebuild education in Borno, a state badly hit by years of insurgency.
His new initiative in northern Borno combines financial incentives with structural reforms to address low enrollment, while the creation of the Higher Islamic College reflects his effort to modernise traditional education without discarding cultural and religious values.
